“There is someone out there!” cried one of the women excitedly.
With her revolver pointed straight before her she moved softly toward the door. At the same moment Chester realized Hal’s ruse and cried:
“Look out, Hal!”
CHAPTER XXII.
AT BAY IN THE PASS.
When Hal, after creeping into the house through a window, had inadvertently bumped into several pots and pans, knocking them to the floor with a clatter, he drew his revolver and stood stockstill. He heard Chester’s cry of warning, and, realizing that an enemy was approaching, he drew a bead upon the doorway.
An arm with a pistol appeared through the opening; there was a flash of fire and a bullet sped past him. He fired quickly in return, and the weapon of his unseen enemy dropped to the floor with a crash, followed by a shrill scream of pain.
“Great Scott, a woman!” cried Hal and leaped forward.
But the woman was more frightened than hurt. Realizing that she was uninjured, as Hal came toward her, she leaped forward and threw her arms about him, pinioning the lad’s hand that held his revolver to his side. At the same moment she cried out to her companion:
“Quick! Pick up the revolver and shoot him while I hold him!”